14/01/2016 BBC Newsline

Good evening. The headlines on BBC Newsline:

after a young mother is attacked and critically injured in Glengormley.

charged with the murder of James McDonagh at the weekend.

A lucky escape for a lorry driver and the residents of these houses

As we enter the coldest spell in several years,

I have the latest on winter weather warnings from the Glenshane Pass.

And the number of GCSE courses schools here can offer their pupils

The First Minister Arlene Foster joins the debate about the anthem

the Northern Ireland football team should use.

Hello and welcome to tonight's programme.

The police are trying to trace this man in connection with an attack

which has left a young mum critically ill in hospital.

And the police are advising people not to approach him.

The 26-year-old woman was attacked in her home in Carnmoney

on the outskirts of North Belfast last night.

There was a significant police presence at this home today.

Forensic team investigate after the attack which has left a 26-year-old

woman in a critical condition. Neighbours say the woman lives with

her two small children. It is understood to have happened at

8.00pm last night leaving the small, close-knit community in shock. It's

not known if her children were home during the attack. The police say

they want to speak to this man. He's 33-year-old Stephen McFarlane.

Police advise not to approach him directly. They'd also like

information on the movements of a white Audi A 6 with the registration

T 44 SMF. The residents tell me a young woman, a young mum was

attacked in her own home. A very vicious attack. There's great

concern in the community. We've heard the young woman's critical in

hospital. All of us hope she will make a very speedy recovery both

physically and mentally. It has shocked the whole community. We're

reeling from a what has happened. The investigation continues.

A 24-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder

of James McDonagh near Toome at the weekend.

The victim died after an assault outside a bar

in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The court in Londonderry heard the accused had expressed remorse

to the police and said he felt so sad for the McDonagh family.

Our North West reporter Keiron Tourish was at the court hearing.

There was a heavey police presence for this hearing. Before the court

was fin bar McCoy who's 24 and from Lough perks eg Road. He's accused of

the murder of James McDonagh from Castle dawson. In the early hours of

Sunday morning. A detective told the court the victim James McDonagh was

punched once in the head and fell backwards. That, he said, brought on

the tragedy of his death. Fin bar McCoy stood quietly in the cock

wearing a gray sweatshirt. He confirmed his name and that he

understood the charge. A detective giving evidence confirmed from the

accused told police during interview. When cautioned and

charged with murder. Fin bar McCoy told police I can't bring words

together to say how sorry I am. I feel so sad for the family but I did

not murder James McDonagh. The detective confirmed that the accused

had cooperated with police. He also said that tensions were currently

high in the Toome bridge area. Fin bar McCoy was remanded in custody

until next month. The first big snowfall

of the winter is on its way. The Met Office has issued a yellow

warning for snow and ice As you can see behind me, it is very

snowy. It is high areas like this across Northern Ireland that we are

likely to see the biggest impact of any snowfall across the night. The

Met Office warns high ground, hills and mountains could see 10 cms of

snow. And low levels could see between 1 and 5 cms. That is enough

to see some travel disruption. The Met Office warning applies across

Northern Ireland. We are not likely to see widespread snow across all

places. On top of that, we have a warning for ice. That may cause some

staff disruption through the night. The gritters have been out this

evening. They will continue gritting the main routes right through the

night. Barra, how bad will it get? Over the weekend, we'll see the

coldest spell we've seen since 2013. Over the weekend, we've plummeting

temperatures. At night widely below freezing. In some countryside areas

below minus 5 Celsius. That will be enough to give us a widespread frost

and one to make us want to app could the hot water bottle handy and big

coats. With all the late the weather forecast Geoff will be here. Thank

you. This is BBC Newsline -

some other news in brief now. A senior air accident investigator

has told an inquest into a fatal helicopter crash which killed

Lord Ballyedmond that there was nothing wrong with the aircraft

before the accident. The investigator said the helicopter

was "behaving normally" and had "no identifiable defects"

prior to its final flight. A security alert close to the

railway line in Lurgan has ended. Army bomb experts said

two suspicious objects found The alert caused major

disruption to train services A lorry driver escaped serious

injury when he was thrown from his vehicle in a collision

with a cattle truck The lorry came within a few feet

of houses but stayed upright. The driver of the truck

suffered minor injuries. The two vehicles collided on the

Gosforth Road. App articulated lorry was involved along with a cattle

truck. The driver of the lorry was thrown from his vehicle as the cab

was cut open in the collision. Following the collision, this lorry

left the road and careered across this grass verge hitting this

reeling but finishing up just short of here. To look at the scene it's

so shocking. To hear from police those involved have pretty much

walked away with minor injuries, I can't believe it. I'm shocked. I was

really shaken when I seen that lorry and the devastation in the cab. You

think a man was lying on the road. Such a horrific scene. It does bring

home just how dangerous our roads are. The fact that no-one was

seriously injured has surprised many of those who arrived at the scene

this morning. Four Bullocks being transported in the cattle truck were

also able to wake away from this incident.

to the rules for newly-qualified drivers.

You're watching BBC Newsline. Still to come:

The number of GCSE courses schools can offer their pupils is being cut.

they'll no longer offer GCSEs in Northern Ireland

These pupils are studying computing Meredith has this exclusive report.

These pupils are studying computing for GCSE. There's theory and

practical theory. You learn about how computers work and how to

programme computers and code. I like that most. I've developed a lot of

new skills maybe a future career in computing. They will be the last at

the school able to study the course set by the English OCR exam board.

We've been teaching the course successfully over the last three

years. We've developed a lot of materials, resources for the

students. Not to mention teaching expertise. All of that effort seems

to have gone for nothing. When we find out that the course has gone

from Northern Ireland. In England from next year, pupils will get

grades from 9-1. Where 9 is the highest and 1 the lowest: The fact

we're not following the enletter change has left the exam boards to

set and mark is a quarter of all GCSEs from pupils here to pull out

from Northern Ireland. That's given many schools a headache. We have

almost a quarter of our GCSAs with English examination boards at

present. We're going to have to find an alternative provider, examination

board. And then that means, for our staff, new specifications will have

to be assimilated, resourced and prepared for. This isn't like the

transfer procedure where some schools can ignore the Department of

Education and run their own unregulated tests. Schools like this

will have to change GCSE courses to the local exam board which has a

virtual monopoly. The open market which existed for GCSEs is now

Proposed changes have been unveiled to the rules for newly-qualified

drivers, to try and increase road safety.

The age at which young people take their test is to rise

and there are to be night-time restrictions on the number

of teenage passengers some young drivers can carry.

If you're learning to drive, you could soon have to learn a whole new

set of rules. They won't come into force immediately but here's what's

planned. The proposed new rules of the road would mean learners being

allowed on motorways as long as they're with an approved driving

instructor in a dual-controlled car. The minimum age for a driving

licence is set to go up to 17-and-a-half. It's currently 17.

But, the 45 mph limit for L plate and R plate drivers is set to be

scrapped. And there are a number of other changes planned too. New

drivers, if they're aged under 24 and for the first six months after

they pass their tests will be restricted to only carrying one

passenger from 11.00pm at night to 6.00am in the morning. Exceptions

will apply for family members and for emergency services and if

they've caring responsibilities. The move is aimed at stopping large

groups of teenagers driving around late at night in cars with

inexperienced drivers. How will the authorities stop it happening? I

think that will work from the insurance companies. They'll police

it. When the claim goes in, they'll look at all the details. Who was in

the car. How long have you been driving etc. These teenagers hope to

take their driving test soon. They think the minimum age should stay at

17. There are loads of people out there what want to learn and get

their test. If they're good enough why not why wait until

17-and-a-half. I think some of the proposed ideas are good. The

motorway is reasonable. It allows people to practise rather than once

they get their test have to go through this new experience. There

is now a peered -- period of consultation. But the new rules

could be in place Associations representing

governors who run jails here, and the officers who work in them,

came out fighting today. They insisted they were not to blame

for failings identified in a highly critical inspection report

about Maghaberry Prison. Stormont's justice committee

was told that the buck should stop with the director general

of the prison service. The Prison Service and department of

justice were stunned on the extent of criticism on Maghaberry prison in

November. It was described as the most dangerous prison in Europe. The

finger of blame was pointed clearly at the leadership within the prison.

Gar I Alcock seen here in the middle was part of that leadership team. He

was deputy Governor at Maghaberry when the inspection took place. His

boss was the governor, Alan Longwe will seen here with Justice Minister

David fjord. They were moved to other duties shortly after the

inspection was completed. The new leadership was in place. It said

there are records to prove the men warned the Prison Service about the

problems identified by the inspectors but were ignored. These

records of made up of staff appraisals, letters, emails,

personal journals and are compelling in their content. The sheer breadth

of evidence which can be produced is staggering. It is par a docksically

evidence not of a failing management team but of a decent, experiencend

and committed team whose warnings of things to come went unanswered. The

POA accused the police... Gary Alcock was asked about the fact Sue

McAllister had said she was not to blame for the failings. Leadership

isn't just about being a leader in sunny weather. Sometimes leadership

means in the mouth of the storm freezing snow and sleet, you still

stand up and you say you're the leader. If barrack Obama is the

President of America can say the buck stops at his desk. A follow-up

inspection is taking place at Maghaberry. Inspectors hope to

publish their findings within a matter of weeks.

A police officer who allegedly threatened to arrest a judge

earlier this week is to go on trial for contempt of court.

Thomas Anthony Carlin had been offered a chance to apologise

43-year-old Thomas Anthony Carlin was dressed in full police uniform

today when he appeared in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast. He

declined to apologise for his actions earlier in the week.

Refusing legal representation asked for a jury to decide on his brave

your towards the judge. He was representing himself with in a legal

battle with Santander. At the end of the hearing he got up and threatened

to arrest Lord Justice Gillen. He was brought back to the court amid a

heavy police presence. The Lord Justice said he'd abused his

position as a police officer. He said Mr Carlin would be granted

legal aid and with the benefit of representation would have a chance

toal pollingise to the court and explain his brave your. That

opportunity was given today. Mr Carlin told the judge he believed to

apologise to the court would be to abandon his defence. He said he

acted because he believed a crime had been committed and it was an

outrageous one. The judge cautioned him saying if he was found guilty of

contempt of court he could be fined or imprisoned. Mr Carlin was told to

attend for a trial on Monday before Mr Justice Horner alone.

The First Minister Arlene Foster has joined the debate

about which anthem the Northern Ireland football team should use,

telling the BBC "God Save The Queen" should be retained.

But, tonight, Stormont authorities rejected a claim by the IFA

that the issue of the anthem is a matter for politicians to decide.

Here's our political correspondent Gareth Gordon.

The fortunes of the Northern Ireland team go up and down. But one thing

never changes, each game begins with God Save The Queen. Unlike the Scots

and Welsh who queues their own anthems. But, like the English but

this MP wants that to change. I recognise matters of the

constitution are particularly keenly felt in Northern Ireland. This Bill

only refers to an English consultation. But the authorities

here would come under pressure if England dropped the anthem. A

different anthem is used for the Commonwealth Games. In the third

time for the boxing in the Games we hear Danny Boy. The footballing

authorities are keen to broaden the team's support base but the Irish

Football Association says the question of a Northern Ireland

anthem is a matter for our politicians. But tonight, the office

of the first and Deputy First Minister told the BBC the playing of

a national anthem or any song at football matches is a matter for the

organisation involved. Among the politicians, there's little sign of

agreement. I don't see any reason to change it. I understand the

10-minute rule bill is in relation to the England football team. I

don't want to get into politicising sport. It unites people. There are a

range of options that the IFA could put in place that would make Windsor

Park a more welcoming sports stadium for all of the community here. I

feel there's still a chill there. I think the playing of God Save The

Queen plays into that. The fans are also divided. It's a wonderful time

to have Anya Shrubsole them that would express our unique identity as

part of the UK rather than Anya Shrubsole them which expresses the

identity of the whole UK. They've changed enough about here to suit

certain people. About time they started suiting other people.

There's two populations living in this country. Another example of not

everyone singing And you can see more on that story

on tonight's singing edition of The View. That's here on BBC One at

10.45pm. sheet Newtownabbey farmer Derek Hall

wanted to build a facility which would accommodate 30,000 pigs. He's

lodged an amended place which has reduced the scale of the

development. It will now house over 15,000 pigs.

The group stages were compleated last night.

and Fermanagh travel to Clones to take on holders Tyrone.

Mickey Harte's side eased past Antrim last night

The current McKenna cup champions and one of the best sides in the

country. What Antrim needed was a good start. Instead, it was Mickey

Harte's side who scored a goal after just 25 seconds. Tyrone have a habit

of unearthing new talent most years. Ever heard of Lee Brennan? You might

hear more about it him in 2016. Tyrone comfortable winners by 1

months and into Sunday's semi-final. We're in it to win it. We're until

semi-final now. Two games from being the champions. We'd like to keep on

that track. Fermanagh's the next team we have to face. There's no

more trap doors, back doors or side doors. If you win you're through to

the final. Oregon. We don't want to be gone on Sunday. We came tonight

to give it a go. We'd set up a certain defensive plan. We were

trying to keep to that. There was a lot of time to rectify that mistake.

I thought the boys took a long time, they felt sorry for themselves a

bit. Dropped their heads. All the things we told them, no matter what,

this is not about winning or losing, about preparation for the National

League. That starts next week. Tyrone play Fermanagh on Sunday in

Clones. Motorcyclist Alastair Seeley

says he not only wants to break but to smash the all-time record

of wins at the Vauxhall International

North West 200 this year. The Carrickfergus rider,

who last year equalled the current said it would be

the ultimate honour to put his name

in the history books. He may be small in stature but on

the north coast, Alastair Seeley is a road racing giant. Now he wants to

follow in the footsteps of some of the legends of the sport. A race

winner every year since 2008, he plans to take the record number of

wins at the North West 200 to a new level.

COMMENTATOR: What a finish for Alastair Seeley. Years ago I didn't

think about getting close to it. To be equal is unbelievable. To get

that one more to be theall time would be amazing. But looking

further afield, it will be nice to add a few more to push it beyond the

reach and try to make it my own for a number of years. Seeley will be on

new bikes this May. Stepping into the team he left is experienced

English rider Ian Hutchinson who had a memorable come back season in

2015. It spices things up you're taking the bike from the guy who

holds the joint record at the North West. From an Irishman and an Irish

team, everyone wants to race and win. That's what we're here to do.

I'm looking forward to getting going with it. An intriguing duel ahead

with all eyes on Seeley and his record wrack breaking attempt.

Four Belfast Giants' players have been called up into the Team GB

squad for next month's Olympic pre-qualifying tournament in Italy.

Netminder Stephen Murphy and forwards Colin Shields,

Jonathan Boxill and Craig Peacock, seen scoring here,

as well as the Netherlands and Serbia.

The winners will progress to the final stage of qualifying

for the Winter Olympic Games in Korea in 2018.

Finally, Mark Allen is in action shortly in his quarter-final

against Barry Hawkins at the Masters at London's Alexandra Palace.

You can follow his progress over on BBC Two from 7.00pm.

Now the all important forecast. It is quite bad. Hello. As you were

seeing with Barra earlier, snow is already coming down. It is quite a

wintry night. For that reason, the Met Office has issued a rn with aing

for both snow and ice. Driving conditions tonight could be

treacherous. Temperatures getting below freezing. In parts of

Fermanagh, lows of minus 4 Celsius. Perhaps the real danger comes

tomorrow morning when that sleet and slush freezes over. Ice could be the

biggest problem for the drive to work. We start Friday with those

wintry showers continuing. It will brighten up as we go through the

day. Another band of showers coming through afterwards. Once they clear

out of the way, actually, not a bad end to the working week. The skies

brightening up. So long as you're wrapped up, it should be quite a

pleasant day. Dry and bright. Some decent spells of sunshine. Those

clear skies mean overnight any heat there is in the day just drops away

like a stone. It means temperatures tomorrow night are going to be even

colder than tonight. Just about everywhere seeing some sub-zero

temperatures tomorrow. A chilly night indeed. We start the weekend

on a cold note. What's happening at the moment, we've this ridge of high

pressure building in. That's having the affect of turning off the

showers. Gives us clear skies too. Saturday morning will start off

bright and crisp and cold before we get a little bit of showery rain

starting to move in later on. This is the picture through Saturday

morning. Really, some preedity cold temperatures to begin with. That

cloud fills in. Some showery rain becoming wintry for a time. The real

question mark is just how much cloud cover we get. Where we have clear

skies on Saturday night, the temperatures in rural areas could

get down as low as minus 8 Celsius. The police are trying to trace this

man in connection with an attack which has left a mum in hospital.

He's 33-year-old Stephen McFarlane. Police advise not to approach him. A

man has been charged with the murder of James McDonagh in Toome at the

of James McDonagh in Toome at theweekend.